W210 E230 1995 Variable Camshaft timing

[mtinlin]

Hi, My 1995 W210 E230 has been diagnosed as needing a replacement inlet cam variable valve control unit. It has a significant rattling noise from the top of the engine which is most noticeable at idle. The car has done 150K miles now. Can someone tell me what is involved in replacing it, and what parts other than the device itself would be required? Is this something a brave amateur mechanic should tackle?
Thanks!

 

[turbopete]

never heard of a merc with variable cam timing! i really must do more research!

 

[mtinlin]

I took the cover off the front of the engine and hopefully attach a picture. The variable valve timing device is in the centre. It seems to be leaking engine oil. I disconected the cable but the rattle continued. the noise seems to be coming from whatever that is to the left with the water hose coming out - thermostat housing? Does that seem likely? Are there repair manuals available for 210's?
Cheers.

 

[carloss]

you might get away with a new sensor and if you are anygood with spanners you could change it yourself ps you need to replace the 3 torx bolts at a cost wait for it aprox 20p each

 

[mtinlin]

OK, I took the Variable timing thingy off but as expected (from disconecting the cables) there did not seem to be anything wrong with it. What seems to be happening is that the rattling noise is associated with the damper (linked to the thermostat housing) or the pulley wheel which seems to be the tensioner for the polybelt which is at the other end of the 'damper'.
Anyone able to make an educated guess on what this might be? It looks as though a repair will involve removing the rad.

 

[type49]

The cam adjusters are known to make a noise but NOT at idle. They are not activated untill about 1100-1300rpm. Also, if you disconnect them, they should be quite. It sounds more like your belt tensioner, or shock absorber, or both are faulty. If you can remove the belt & then start it. If the noise has gone, it is certainally not the cam adjuster & must be something that is driven off the belt.

 

[mtinlin]

I am pretty sure you are right. Do you know if repalcing the damper means that the rad has to come out? I can do it - just don't want to do it unless I really need to!

 

[type49]

I am pretty sure you are right. Do you know if repalcing the damper means that the rad has to come out? I can do it - just don't want to do it unless I really need to!

No, leave the rad in. No loss of coolant